Nintendo is discontinuing its Switch eShop Gold Points scheme ahead of the launch of the Switch 2.From the end of next month, March 25, 2025, players will no longer earn Gold Points Nintendo's points-based loyalty scheme that can be exchanged for discounts on their purchases. Nintendo did not expand on why it was removing the scheme, but said in a statement that players will continue to earn points on products purchased before March 24 including physical Game Cards and could be used up to 12 months from the date they were earned. Any game released after the deadline will not be eligible. (You can check original release date of a game on Nintendo eShop).As spotted by Eurogamer, Nintendo has also confirmed Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers will not be redeemable against Switch 2 exclusive games in the future, either.These changes come ahead of the launch of the Switch 2 itself, currently speculated for some point between June and September, and the Switch 2-focused Direct in April. Nintendo has already confirmed that Nintendo Switch Online accounts will carry forward to the next-gen console.Earlier this month, we reported there was something goofy going on over on the PlayStation Store and the Nintendo eShop. Over the last few months, the two storefronts have been slowly filling up with what some users are referring to as eslop," with more and more games tricking users into buying cheap, low-quality games that arent what they claim to be.Buying games from the Japanese eShop as a foreigner without a Japanese bank account recently got a lot harder. Nintendo announced it would no longer accept credit cards issued overseas and PayPal accounts opened overseas from January 25, 2025 in a bid to curb fraudulent use."Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Call of Duty's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover looks set to cost up to $90's worth of COD Points in order to obtain all the items and the community is now saying Activision should just make Black Ops 6 free-to-play at this point.Activision unveiled the Black Ops 6 Season 02 Reloaded content coming to the shooter on February 20, and detailed the mid-season Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover in the process.Each of the four turtles (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael) has their own premium bundle. Based on previous collaborations, these bundles are expected to cost 2,400 COD Points, or $19.99, each. So, if you want all four turtles you face the prospect of handing over $80s worth of COD Points.The Leonardo Tracer Pack is expected to cost 2,400 COD Points, or $19.99. Image credit: Activision Publishing.But thats not all. As it did with the controversial Squid Game crossover, Activision has created a premium event pass for the Turtles crossover, which costs 1,100 COD Points / $10. This includes a number of eye-catching cosmetics, chief among them Splinter. Again, there is no other way of getting Splinter than paying the $10 for the premium track of the event pass. The free track includes two Foot Clan soldier skins, among other cosmetics.As many have pointed out, the Turtles crossover is heavy on the cosmetics but does not feature gameplay affecting items. No-one has to buy any or all of it to compete in Black Ops 6 multiplayer. And there are many within the community saying it's easy to ignore Call of Duty crossovers like the Turtles one and leave those willing to spend more to it.But that hasnt stopped some players within the community from criticizing Activision once again for the high cost of these cosmetics, and are saying this second ever Call of Duty premium event pass suggests Black Ops 6 is now being monetized as if it were a free-to-play game like Fortnite.The Turtles event pass is just the second ever in Call of Duty. Image credit: Activision Publishing. Activision casually glossing over the fact that they want you to pay $80+ if you want the 4 Turtles, plus another $10+ if you want the TMNT event pass rewards, redditor II_JangoFett_II said. Call of Duty's Gross greed strikes again... DESPICABLE!Guess we can expect an event pass sold every season now, Hipapitapotamus suggested. Remember when events were good and got you cool universal camos for free."The Turtles dont use guns," APensiveMonkey declared. "Their fingers wouldnt even... I hate this..."Its worth going into more detail on how Activision monetizes Black Ops 6. Each season brings with it a new battle pass, the base version of which costs 1,100 COD Points / $9.99. Theres an extra premium version of the battle pass, called BlackCell, which costs $29.99 (you cant buy this one with COD Points). Then there is a constant stream of cosmetics available to buy from the store. The Turtles crossover, with its premium event pass, is on top of all this.So they expect the playerbase to buy the game itself, buy the battle pass/black cell and now this? Na that's too much, PunisherR35 added. If this is gonna be the norm moving forward, CoD needs to move to a FTP model (campaign, MP).In truth, Activisions aggressive monetization of Call of Duty is nothing new. Its just that the new premium event pass, which made its debut with Black Ops 6s Squid Game crossover, has pushed some fans over the edge. And as has been pointed out many times before, the standardized monetization across the $70 Black Ops 6 and the free-to-play battle royale Warzone does Black Ops 6 no favors. What might be acceptable for Warzone given its free-to-play isnt necessarily acceptable for Black Ops 6, given it costs $70 just to be able to play Multiplayer.And thats where the calls for Black Ops 6 Multiplayer to go free-to-play come from. With each new microtransaction Call of Duty Multiplayer feels more and more like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Marvel Rivals, and of course Warzone.Activision and parent company Microsoft will of course stick to its guns, given Call of Dutys incredible popularity. Black Ops 6 was the biggest Call of Duty launch ever, and set a new single day Game Pass subscription record. Sales on PlayStation and Steam jumped 60% compared to 2023's Modern Warfare 3. Clearly, Call of Duty is doing the business for Activision and new owner Microsoft, which the financial officers will no doubt be delighted with given the Xbox maker paid an eye-watering $69 billion for the company.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Despite the fact that Nintendo finally revealed its next console last month, theres still quite a lot we dont know about the Switch 2. Just how powerful is the Switch 2? Which games, will launch with the console? And perhaps most importantly, how much will the Switch 2 cost gamers?That last question has been the subject of much speculation onlineindustry experts, influencers, and forum users who claim a friends uncle who works at Nintendo gave them insider information have chimed in on the matter for months. Currently, theres no official word from Nintendo, but its likely well learn more during a Nintendo Direct broadcast focusing on the Switch 2 on April 2.In the meantime, all we have to go on regarding the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 are comments from Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, who said during a quarterly earnings call this month (via VGC) that the company would consider the affordability that our customers expect from Nintendo products, as well as predictions from analysts who seem to agree that the console will cost $399 when it launches later this year. The latest analyst to assert that the Switch 2 will hit shelves with a $399 price tag is Joost van Dreunen, co-founder of the now-shuttered games market research firm SuperData Research, who wrote in his SuperJoost Playlist newsletter why he believes that price point makes the most sense for Nintendo. According to Dreunen, Nintendo will aim to present the Switch 2 as a more premium console that is still more affordable than current PlayStation and Xbox hardware.Based on current market dynamics and platform positioning strategy, Nintendo is likely to price the Switch 2 at $399. It represents a critical psychological threshold that balances premium hardware aspirations against mainstream market accessibility, wrote Dreunen. At this price point, Nintendo would maintain its traditional positive margin on hardware while positioning the Switch 2 distinctly below rival premium gaming devices yet above the original Switchs launch price. It signals a meaningful technical advancement without alienating its core family demographic.MST Financial senior research analyst David Gibson made a similar price projection when speaking to CNBC earlier this month. In January, Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games Inc. and Circana analysts Mat Piscatella and Piers Harding-Rolls also predicted $399 when speaking with IGN.Meanwhile, Rhys Elliot of the firm MIDiA suggested to IGN that, while $400 seemed like the sweet spot for the Switch 2, short supply of the console at launch as well as the costs to make the hardware could see the price tag balloon to $500 or higherIf the Switch 2 is supply-constrained at launch, Nintendo could charge more, Elliot said. Early adopters would be willing to pay for it, and if its going to sell out anyway, Nintendo might think, Why not? I think Sony and Microsoft regret releasing the base PS5 and Series X consoles at $500. Both could have got away with $600 or more at launch.Whether the Switch 2 is $100 or even $200-300 more expensive than the original Switch, there will be gamers who will be disappointed if Nintendo doesnt release its next console at the more competitive $299 price point that helped make its predecessor such an instant success. In 2017, the original Switch launched as the most affordable console option out of the big threethe Xbox One released at $499 in 2013, while the PS4 cost $399 when it hits shelves that same year. But the times have changed, as Furukawa suggested, pointing to the rising inflation rate in Japan and less favorable exchange rate as factors Nintendo would need to consider when pricing the Switch 2. Of course, at $399, the Switch 2 would still be cheaper than the its main competitors premium consolesthe Xbox Series X and the disc drive model of PlayStation 5 both cost $499, with only the Xbox Series S giving the Switch 2 a run for its money at $299. The $700 PlayStation 5 Pro is eye-wateringly expensive in comparison as well.The Switch 2, a hybrid console that can be plugged into your TV or played on the go as a handheld, will also launch at a time when there is much more competition in the handheld market. Even then, at $399, the new Nintendo console would match the base LCD model of the Valve Steam Deck, which is widely considered to be the best and most bang-for-your-buck handheld gaming PC currently on shelves. What the Switch 2 offers that the Steam Deck and its thousands of Steam games doesnt are the Nintendo franchises that fans love. Even if its $100 more expensive, the Switch 2 will eventually offer the only way to play the next Zelda, Super Mario, and Mario Kart. Plus, Switch 2 owners will still be able to play most of the original Switchs library on the new console. That may very well be enough to get gamers to cough up the $399.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Well learn more about the Switch 2 during the Nintendo Direct on April 2 at 9 am ET.

[W]ere both good soldiers and professionals, and we were trying to be open-minded. When the star of your much-anticipated new superhero show describes that as the attitude that he and his co-star needed to bring to the project, you can probably expect the project to bomb. Yet, thats exactly how Charlie Cox and Vincent DOnofrio needed to approach the initial (but now scrapped) first take of Daredevil: Born Again, the highly-anticipated sequel to the Netflix series.In a profile for GQ, Cox explained the disappointment he and other cast membered shared in Disneys first attempt to revive the show, a production that was later reworked to more closely resemble the three-season Netflix series. If the leaks and rumors about the initial direction of Born Again are true, lets just say were relieved.Where the Netflix show traded on darkness and surprising violence, Disney initially intended to tone it down, something that took Cox by surprise. The thinking was, Well, we dont want to do the same thing. Weve done that,' he told GQ. However, Cox and DOnofrio, who plays the Kingpin of Crime Wilson Fisk, had their doubts, according to the actor. Vincent and I were both not 100 per cent convinced what we were doing at the time was the right path.Equally perturbed were fans hearing about the production process through leaks and rumors online. Initial repots indicated that Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson would not return as Karen Page and Foggy Nelson respectively, despite being two key characters from the comics and the Netflix series. Moreover, Marvel had reportedly recast other characters from the Netflix show, most notably hiring Sandrine Holt to portray Fisks beloved wife Vanessa, replacing Ayelet Zurer.So, what convinced Disney to change their minds about the first take on Born Again and go back to the feel and tone of the Netflix series? Although he and DOnofrio did speak to Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and other higher-ups about their frustration with the change in direction, Cox actually credits a stroke of luck that led to the revamped show. Under the direction of head writers Matt Corman and Chris Ord, Disney shot six episodes of Daredevil: Born Again that built on the characters official MCU appearances in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Hawkeye, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and Echo. These episodes followed the softer tone originally intended.And then the 2023 writers and actors strikes happened and production had to pause, giving Disney time to reflect on the work so far. The writers strike happened, then the actors strike, which gave the producers an opportunity to look at our episodes and decide that it wasnt quite workingIn a bizarre twist of fate, the strikes that were so terrible for so many people in the industry ended up being the best thing for our show, said Cox.During the pause, Disney made Loki season two showrunners Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead producers and putt Dario Scardapane in the showrunner role. The studio also brought back Woll and Henson, and also added villain Bullseye, once again played by Wilson Bethel from the Netflix series.The finished first season consists of nine episodes, which tell a deeper tale with stronger connections to the original series. The new show feels much more in keeping with the kind of stuff we did at Netflix, Cox told GQ.But perhaps the most exciting news concerns Daredevils future in the MCU. Although the Netflix series was already theoretically part of the MCU, its larger universe connections were more to other series on the streamerJessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist. Daredevil sat out of the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, his lone crossover occurring in the lackluster series The Defenders.So does Born Agains much clearer MCU status mean that the Man Without Fear gets to join allies such as Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four in the next Avengers movies? I think its more possible than its ever been, yeah, Cox said. I would love to be in one of the Avengers films, or another Spider-Man, or something like that. For a couple of reasons. One, because over the years I have become a geeky fan of the character, and I weirdly, for the characters sake, feel like itd be really cool for him to get that kind of upgrade.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Even if Daredevil doesnt get that upgrade, its clear that Born Again is an upgrade from its earlier version, giving the starsand the fansexactly what they want from the character.Daredevil: Born Again leaps onto Disney+ on March 4.

Home improvement books often start with a caveat: Dont make big changes until youve lived in the house. When the home is a midcentury gem by the legendary modernist Richard Neutra, that advice comes with teeth. We have to be very careful, says Alberto Chehebar of his residence, the 1949 Wirin House in Los Feliz, California.His wife Jocelyne Katz puts it more bluntly: The house owns us. This sense of stewardship has been deepened by the recent fires in Los Angeles; many of the citys other houses, threatened or lost, were built on similar hillside sites.Chris MottaliniHomeowners Alberto Chehebar and Jocelyne Katz, in Dior, in the downstairs sitting room. Sofa, original to house; artwork by Alejandro Cardenas; walls painted in Dune White by Benjamin Moore.The couple, longtime collectors of contemporary art who also reside in New York and Madrid, are just the third owners of the house, which Neutra built for A.L. Wirin, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, and his wife Alpha. The photographer Mark Seliger bought it from the Wirin estate in 2004 and undertook an extensive renovation with restoration expert Mark Haddawy. When Chehebar, who has an imports business in his native Colombia, and Katz, a Chilean former model and journalist, bought the home a decade ago, it was in such good shape they had to make only small tweaks, and they hired Haddawy so that any changes would be done under his careful hand. The house found great custodians, Haddawy says. Alberto and Jocelyne have always felt the house should be honored for what it is.When they first moved in, Katz was hoping they might do something about the (small) bathrooms and (minimal) closet space. Its a mans house from 1949, she says. But little by little I learned how to live that way, and I love it. You have the clothes you really wear. You spend less time in the bathroom getting ready. The updates they did make range from the invisible (period-appropriate blinds in the bedroom to block the morning sun) to the transformative (red velvet that replaced the beige upholstery on the built-in living room sofas). It feels warmer and definitely more alive, Chehebar says. It really punches.Its a mans house from 1949. but little by little I learned how to live that way, and I love it.--Jocelyne KatzThe red velvet also picks up the color of the wine-hued linoleum, the brick fireplace, and the redwood ceiling. This was a period when Neutra used a lot of wood, Haddawy says. It feels natural, nestled in trees on the hillside.Another color threaded throughout is green, from the upholstery on the dining rooms Gio Ponti Superleggera chairs to the dominant tone in a Rita Ackermann canvas that fills a wall upstairs. The artwork reproduces the colors of nature in the abstract, Katz says.Chris MottaliniIn the dining room, a Gio Ponti table and chairs are surrounded by works by Cindy Sherman, Mark Grotjahn, and Luchita Hurtado.The smaller Scott Kahn painting in the wood-paneled primary bedroom depicts an arched stone recess and a mysterious door, all overgrown with vines. For Katz the grotto imagery is in dialogue with the outdoors. It feels very intimate, like you have to go inside, she says.See More of this Neutra House in Los AngelesWhile Seliger kept the houses decor relatively neutral, with minimal art, Chehebar and Katzs collecting has taken it in a different direction, embedding it in L.A.s contemporary art scene as well as its modernist past. The dining room is where they cycle smaller works, hung salon-style. The space currently displays paintings by Henry Taylor and Anna Weyant. Jocelyne likes to make puzzles, playing around with [the artworks] on the floor before hanging them, Chehebar says. This is probably the third or fourth curation of this wall.Chris MottaliniA painting by Claire Tabouret fills a wall in the downstairs sitting room. Vintage chair, Gio Ponti.The homeowners also put their stamp on the homes 2,200-square-foot garage, which has become their office. They furnished it with a George Nelson wall unit, Saarinen Tulip chairs, and a Keith Haring subway drawing of New Yorker covers that Chehebar bought in the 1980s. The cars sit outside and the art inside, he says of the garage.When the couple first moved in, the landscape was lush but overgrown. Now there are paths through the rare oaks, eucalyptus, and jacaranda, along with strategically placed artworks. The finishing touch: a Stan Edmondson ceramic sculpture whose raised arms suggest a cheer directed at downtown L.A. The pocked surface of the black clay mimics the texture of the surrounding upright cacti and creeping blue pickle, and if you squint, the plants also seem to be inspired by the artwork. There is a little cactus that grew next to it that has two arms up as well, Katz says. I imagine him saying, Good morning! to the city. This story originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Elle Decor. SUBSCRIBE

When interior designer Stephanie Betesh wanted to thank some family friends for the hospitality theyd shown her, she painted them a watercolor card. The gesture inspired the couple to ask Betesh if she might also help with the invitations for their ceremony at the Amangiri resort in Utah. She said yes. The seed for productive collaboration was planted.When the couple began apartment hunting in New York City a few years later, it was Betesh that the wife began texting, asking for her expert opinion. They then hired Beteshs firm, Ember Studio, to overhaul the 2,800-square-foot SoHo loft space they found, inspired by both Beteshs watercolor and wedding styling at Amangiri.David MitchellThe primary bedroom is tucked away from the street and features a restful, moody palette.A Tennessee native, Betesh studied interior design at the University of Texas at Austin before going on to work for the firms of Parts and Labor, Michael Hsu, and the hospitality firm of Liz Lambert.When construction on the apartment began in 2022, Betesh handled all of the architectural design remotely as she was based in Austin, Texas. (She wasnt fully local for the project until late 2023, when she arrived in New York to undertake a residency for the design gallery Colony.) While that proved challenging at times, it also had unique upsides, like getting the chance to source vintage furniture at the Round Top Antiques Fair with the homeowner.David MitchellThe primary bathroom showcases lessons learned from Beteshs years in the hospitality industry.Sometimes we were not sure exactly where a piece was going to go, but it would feel right for the project, says Betesh. The architecture is so clean, and then we've brought in all these objects with such a story and a history that creates a really layered effect. I think that approach makes everything look so much more interesting.Betesh brought cohesion to the loft space by incorporating white oak millwork, hand-finished limewash, and plaster wall treatments. The layout was reoriented around communal living spaces, with a spa-like primary suite and nursery situated at the back of the home, away from the street. The neutral palette was definitely driven by the client, so it was important for me to make sure that we had contrast and also a layering of different textures, says Betesh.See more of this SoHo loftDespite the distance, or perhaps because of it, Beteshs attention to detail is a hallmark of the project. (She even chose the bathrooms soap and bedrooms linens). For a home born of a small but thoughtful gesture, it couldn't be any other way.Sean SantiagoDeputy EditorSean Santiago is ELLE Decor's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality and travel, culture, and luxury shopping. Since starting his career at an interior design firm in 2011, he has gone on to cover the industry for Vogue, Architectural Digest, Sight Unseen, PIN-UP and Domino. He is the author of The Lonny Home (Weldon Owens, 2018), has produced scripted social content for brands including West Elm and Streeteasy, and is sometimes recognized on the street for his Instagram Reels series, #DanceToDecor

Trumps 10% tariff on all imports from China payable in addition to any existing duties is now in effect, and is starting to be reflected in US prices.The tariff is paid by US businesses and consumers when goods arrive from China, with companies forced to choose between passing it on to consumers in the form of higher prices, or absorbing the costs and taking a hit to their profit margin The Telegraph (via Engadget) notes that Acer is one of the first companies to announce its decision, choosing to pass on the tariff to customers.The boss of one of the worlds biggest computer makers has said he is putting prices up by 10pc as a direct result of Donald Trumps tariffs. Jason Chen, the chief executive and chairman of Acer, said the US price increase on laptops made in China would happen by default and apply from next month []We will have to adjust the end user price to reflect the tariff, Mr Chen said. We think 10pc probably will be the default price increase because of the import tax. Its very straightforward.During the campaign, Trump claimed that prices would not be affected by the tariff, but following his election admitted that prices could go up.If youre planning a sizeable purchase of anything made in China, now could be a good time to buy. While the tariffs are now in effect, many companies will still have US stock imported last month which they can sell at existing prices without impacting their bottom-line.The paper reports that almost 80% of laptops sold in the US are made in China, with the trade body for consumer electronics goods predicting an expensive hit.The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the trade body for the electronics industry, has said that tariffs could cost American consumers up to $143bn and lead to a slump in sales.Apple is a Core Member of the CTA.Acer says its considering moving some production out of China, but the hurdles to doing this are substantial. The company also mentioned the possibility of doing some manufacturing in the US, but thats likely merely a diplomatic murmuring given that a separate Trump tariff would impose an import tax on components of up to 100%.Apple has so far left its prices unchanged, but it too will have to choose between raising US prices or accepting a reduced profit margin on US sales.Photo byViacheslav BublykonUnsplashAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Wireless reverse charging is a long-awaited feature which we know Apple has been working on for a long time, and which it partly implemented back in 2020. However, it hasnt been fully activated in any iPhone model, despite widespread adoption in Android smartphones.Our own sources have indicated that Apple is working on a more advanced version, and a new report says that the feature is currently being tested in prototypes of the iPhone 17 Pro Wireless reverse chargingWireless reverse charging is where a smartphones wireless charging coils can work in both directions, allowing the phone to charge a secondary device. While it could in principle allow one iPhone to charge another, the more practical application is to charge low-power devices like AirPods and the Apple Watch.The feature is relatively common on Android phones. Its offered by more than a dozen models from both Samsung and Xiaomi, as well as many Google Pixel models. Other brands which offer it on at least one phone include OnePlus, Nothing, and Sony.It should be noted that the charging speeds supported are slow, so this is more of an emergency feature if your accessory is running low on power and youre nowhere near a charger such as when travelling.The iPhone 12 got a partial implementationThe mystery of why its taking Apple so long deepens when we recall that the components needed for wireless reverse charging were actually found in an iPhone 12 teardown. The circuitry was found to be partially active, as the phone could charge the MagSafe Battery Pack, but for unknown reasons Apple didnt enable full MagSafe/Qi support, and it wasnt possible to use it to charge AirPods.Apple working on a more advanced versionOur own sources indicated back in 2023 that Apple is working on a more advanced version of the feature, and was initially hoping to have this ready for the iPhone 14.Apple still has bigger ambitions for reverse wireless charging than weve seen so far according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to9to5Mac []One of the key aspects of bilateral charging is managing the charging speeds between the iPhone and the other device, including heat dissipation and charging efficiency.Apple is also developing a special user interface for reverse wireless charging, similar to what is currently used for MagSafe chargers and accessories. This would include on-screen animations that help teach users how to use the feature, as well as a sound effect to indicate that bilateral wireless charging had been initiated.In testing for the iPhone 17 ProTwo models later, we still dont yet have it, but leaker Instant Digital today says its being tested for the iPhone 17 Pro.Apple has tested the 7.5W reverse charging function on the iPhone 17 Pro. I dont know if it will be opened for use this time.They were correct in previous leaks about the yellow iPhone 14andthe landscape front-facing cameraon last years iPad Air.Render claims to show iPhone 17 Pro design, in silver and Space BlackPhoto byBrandon RomanchukonUnsplashAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Feb 19, 2025The Hacker NewsMalware / Threat IntelligenceA new variant of the Snake Keylogger malware is being used to actively target Windows users located in China, Turkey, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Spain.Fortinet FortiGuard Labs said the new version of the malware has been behind over 280 million blocked infection attempts worldwide since the start of the year."Typically delivered through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links, Snake Keylogger is designed to steal sensitive information from popular web browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox by logging keystrokes, capturing credentials, and monitoring the clipboard," security researcher Kevin Su said.Its other features allow it to exfiltrate the stolen information to an attacker-controlled server using the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and Telegram bots, allowing the threat actors to access stolen credentials and other sensitive data."What's notable about the latest set of attacks is that it makes use of the AutoIt scripting language to deliver and execute the main payload. In other words, the executable containing the malware is an AutoIt-compiled binary, thereby allowing it to bypass traditional detection mechanisms."The use of AutoIt not only complicates static analysis by embedding the payload within the compiled script but also enables dynamic behavior that mimics benign automation tools," Su added.Once launched, Snake Keylogger is designed to drop a copy of itself to a file named "ageless.exe" in the folder "%Local_AppData%\supergroup." It also proceeds to drop another file called "ageless.vbs" in the Windows Startup folder such that the Visual Basic Script (VBS) automatically launches the malware every time the system is rebooted.Through this persistence mechanism, Snake Keylogger is capable of maintaining access to the compromised system and resuming its malicious activities even if the associated process gets terminated.The attack chain culminates with the injection of the main payload into a legitimate .NET process such as "regsvcs.exe" using a technique called process hollowing, permitting the malware to conceal its presence within a trusted process and sidestep detection.Snake Keylogger has also been found to log keystrokes and use websites like checkip.dyndns[.]org to retrieve the victim's IP address and geolocation."To capture keystrokes, it leverages the SetWindowsHookEx API with the first parameter set to WH_KEYBOARD_LL (flag 13), a low-level keyboard hook that monitors keystrokes," Su said. "This technique allows the malware to log sensitive input such as banking credentials."The development comes as CloudSEK detailed a campaign that's exploiting compromised infrastructure associated with educational institutions to distribute malicious LNK files disguised as PDF documents to ultimately deploy the Lumma Stealer malware.The activity, targeting industries like finance, healthcare, technology, and media, is a multi-stage attack sequence that results in the theft of passwords, browser data, and cryptocurrency wallets."The campaign's primary infection vector involves using malicious LNK (shortcut) files that are crafted to appear as legitimate PDF documents," security researcher Mayank Sahariya said, adding the files are hosted on a WebDAV server that unsuspecting visitors are redirected to after visiting sites.The LNK file, for its part, executes a PowerShell command to connect to a remote server and retrieve the next-stage malware, an obfuscated JavaScript code that harbors another PowerShell that downloads Lumma Stealer from the same server and executes it.In recent weeks, stealer malware has also been observed distributed via obfuscated JavaScript files to harvest a wide range of sensitive data from compromised Windows systems and exfiltrate it to a Telegram bot operated by the attacker."The attack begins with an obfuscated JavaScript file, which fetches encoded strings from an open-source service to execute a PowerShell script," Cyfirma said."This script then downloads a JPG image and a text file from an IP address and a URL shortener, both of which contain malicious MZ DOS executables embedded using steganographic techniques. Once executed, these payloads deploy stealer malware."Found this article interesting? This article is a contributed piece from one of our valued partners. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

The growing demand for cybersecurity and compliance services presents a great opportunity for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to offer virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) servicesdelivering high-level cybersecurity leadership without the cost of a full-time hire.However, transitioning to vCISO services is not without its challenges. Many service providers struggle with structuring, pricing, and selling these services effectively. That's why we created the Ultimate Guide to Structuring and Selling vCISO Services. This guide, created in collaboration with Jesse Miller, a seasoned vCISO and founder of PowerPSA Consulting, offers actionable strategies to navigate these hurdles. From identifying what to offer and whom to target, to crafting compelling sales strategies, this resource provides a comprehensive roadmap for building a successful vCISO practice.Where to Begin: What to Offer and to WhomThis guide outlines the key steps to successfully offering vCISO services, starting with existing capabilities and identifying the right clients.Step 1: Evaluate Current OfferingsMany MSPs and MSSPs already provide elements of vCISO services without formalizing them. The guide helps you assess existing security activities and identify opportunities to package them into a complete vCISO service.Step 2: Assess Existing ClientsNot every client is an ideal fit for vCISO services. The guide explains how to segment the client base by industry, size, and security maturity, ensuring efforts are focused on those who will benefit most. It also covers prioritization strategies to maximize revenue and create compelling value propositions.By leveraging your existing relationships, vCISO services can efficiently meet previously unmet needs, allowing you to grow your revenue through targeted upselling. This approach enables you to maximize the potential of your current clients before focusing on attracting new clients.Step 3: Structure vCISO ServicesA structured approach ensures scalability and consistency. Using a matrix, analyze client needs based on security maturity and complexity, then package offerings accordingly:Basic: Foundational risk assessments, compliance assistance, and tactical security measures.Strategic: Long-term planning, board-level discussions, and compliance oversight.Leadership: Executive-level oversight, acting as a fractional CISO for complex security needs.Identifying a focus area within this matrix helps prioritize clients, such as developing vCISO packages for those in medium maturity and medium complexity. Standardizing services ensures a scalable system that delivers consistent results. Leveraging frameworks and automation streamlines sales, reduces complexity, and accelerates service delivery.For a detailed matrix of potential service offerings, check out the Ultimate Guide to Structuring and Selling vCISO Services.Selling vCISO ServicesScoping & Go-to-MarketAs outlined in the guide, start by gathering key client information to determine fit and align services effectively.Assess Business Drivers: Understand the client's industry, goals, and major initiatives to ensure cybersecurity strategies support their objectives.Evaluate Readiness & Priorities: Determine if the client has a real need for security leadership, compliance guidance, or risk managementand whether they are ready to invest in it.Avoid Misaligned Clients: Walk away from businesses that don't prioritize security to maintain strong partnerships and focus resources on high-value clients.Tailor services based on these insights while setting clear expectations on scope, deliverables, and impact. Focus on high-value, strategic outcomes to build long-term trust and drive measurable results.Elevate the Conversation: Key discovery questions to drive vCISO engagementWhen engaging with a client, focus on understanding their business goals, challenges, and why they need vCISO services. A business-centered conversation builds trust and ensures security is positioned as a strategic asset rather than a cost.Key discussion points:Align cybersecurity with business success by framing it as a driver of resilience, compliance, and growth.Highlight legal and regulatory implications to address potential financial and reputational risks.Emphasize the cost of inaction, showing how proactive security is far more cost-effective than responding to a cyber incident.By tailoring vCISO services to mitigate risk, support business objectives, and enhance long-term stability, clients will see cybersecurity as an essential investment rather than an overhead expense.Key Selling PointsBuilding trust with clients requires demonstrating both technical expertise and business understanding to provide tailored security strategies.Key Benefits of vCISO Services:Enterprise-level security without full-time costsFlexible CISO options based on needsFaster compliance with regulationsStreamlined cyber insurance fulfillmentImmediate security posture improvementsWays to Demonstrate Expertise:Industry experience & testimonials to build credibilityClear service offerings & deliverables to set expectationsSupported security & compliance frameworks to establish trustExample reports & dashboards to show measurable progressAI-driven capabilities for enhanced efficiency and automationBy highlighting these strengths, MSPs and MSSPs can effectively position vCISO services as a trusted, strategic solution for clients.Costs of Offering vCISO ServicesWhile vCISO services can be a lucrative offering for MSPs and MSSPs, several hidden costs can impact profitability:Skilled Talent: Hiring and training cybersecurity experts in strategy, risk management, and compliance requires ongoing investment.Tools & Software: Risk assessment, compliance tracking, and reporting tools come with licensing and maintenance costs.Client Education: Significant time and effort may be needed to help clients understand the value of vCISO services.Manual Processes: Without automation, tasks like policy creation and risk assessments can be resource-intensive, increasing costs and potential errors.Addressing these challenges through strategic hiring, efficient tools, client education, and automation is essential for maintaining profitability and optimizing service delivery.The Path to a Successful vCISOOffering vCISO services represents a transformative opportunity for MSPs and MSSPs to address the growing cybersecurity needs of businesses of all sizes while enhancing their own service portfolio and revenue streams. This guide has provided actionable steps to help service providers structure, sell, and scale vCISO offerings, from evaluating current capabilities and targeting the right clients to creating scalable, repeatable systems that ensure consistent results.By leveraging tools like Cynomi's AI-driven platform and frameworks such as PowerPSA's PowerGRYD system, MSPs and MSSPs can overcome common challenges like hidden costs and resource constraints. With a focus on client-centric solutions, strategic messaging, and automation, service providers can position themselves as trusted advisors, helping their clients achieve resilience and growth in an increasingly complex digital landscape.The path to successful vCISO services starts hereempower your clients, grow your business, and make a lasting impact in the world of cybersecurity.Found this article interesting? This article is a contributed piece from one of our valued partners. 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